San Francisco Holidays

San Francisco holidays hit a home run when it comes to big-name attractions. The Golden Gate Bridge's rust-red arches and movie-famous Alcatraz Island are just the tip of the iceberg.

Views for days

San Francisco dominates a seven-mile-by-seven-mile peninsula in the USA’s northern California, with the Pacific Ocean on one shoreline and the San Francisco Bay on the other. Bundled in between them both is a smorgasbord of 43 peaks, many of which serve up eye-widening views of the coast. The tallest of the lot’s Mount Davidson, standing at 928 feet tall. From up here, you can peek at a bunch of the city’s major players, including the Golden Gate Bridge and the Financial District’s Manhattan-inspired skyline.

Flick through history

San Francisco got its big break in 1849, when miners from all over the US set up shop here during the Gold Rush. This heritage is a huge part of the city’s culture – its American football team’s even called the 49ers, after the hordes of 19th-century prospectors. Some of San Francisco’s saloons date back to this time, too, while Prohibition-era speakeasies are a dime a dozen. The city’s top dog, though, is Alcatraz Island – home to the infamous prison-turned-protected-landmark. Here, you can see how legendary criminals like Al Capone and Machine Gun Kelly were locked up behind bars before it closed in 1963.

A world-class waterfront

San Francisco’s heart and soul is its waterfront, the crown jewel of which is Fisherman’s Wharf. This buzzing district’s loaded with goodies, from Pier 39’s shops, seafood restaurants and wild sea lion colony to the warships and ferryboats at the Maritime Museum. This place is a must-see if you’re a Bond fan, too – Roger Moore rocked up here in his last movie, A View to a Kill, as the iconic spy. This area’s linked to the rest of the city by two street-level cable car lines, so getting here’s a piece of cake.

At a glance

Lace up your walking boots for a stroll across the Golden Gate Bridge
Snap photos of wild sea lions at Fisherman’s Wharf
Explore America’s most notorious prison, Alcatraz

Top things to See and Do in San Francisco

BEACHES
SHOPPING
NIGHTLIFE
FOOD & DRINK

The City by the Bay

San Francisco’s beaches aren’t the first port of call for most tourists. But, the city’s surrounded by water on three sides, so good-looking stretches are easy to come by. You’ve got every kind of sandy escape going, from huge belts to tucked-away coves and ones with surf-friendly waves.
The big beach

Extending for nearly four miles along the city’s west coast, Ocean Beach is a please-all sort of stretch. Dog walkers love its length, picnickers dominate the fire pits, and pro-surfers head out to ride the waves. Despite its popularity, the beach is as wide as two football pitches in some places, meaning overcrowding is practically unheard of. Plus, grab a window seat for lunch at Cliff House, and you can clock the furry natives on Seal Rocks in between bites.
The secret beach

China Beach is the mini and lesser-known neighbour of Baker Beach. This tiny cove still gives you that standout shot of the Golden Gate Bridge, minus the masses. Photos and sunbathing aren’t the only things on the agenda, either – you can check out the monument to gold rush-era fishermen, or dip your toes into the rock pools at low tide.

Bargain Buys

As well as great food, the Mission District’s off-the-wall boutiques and vintage stores are worth a wander. The same can be said for Chinatown. Here, you’ve got stands, as well as multi-storey shops selling all things Asian. You can pick up everything from silk dresses and woks, to decorative kites and tea.
Mid-Range Buys

The shop fronts total over 150 at the Westfield San Francisco Centre, which is no less than you’d expect from the global retail brand. European names like Zara, H&M and The Body Shop join forces with American favourites, Hollister and Banana Republic. Luxury stores like Bloomingdale’s, Rolex and Tiffany & Co also make an appearance.
Designer Buys

All the big labels assemble around Union Square – the city’s main shopping hub. And it’s designer central. A stone’s throw from the plaza, you’ll find Saks Fifth Avenue, Cartier, Gucci, Chanel and Louis Vuitton – to name just a few.

Laid-back evenings

You can forget Broadway, because San Francisco sells more theatre tickets per capita than any other major American city. If plays aren’t your thing, the city’s also home to the nation’s only purpose-built jazz hall, SFJAZZ. Alternatively, you can combine a martini with 360° views at Top of the Mark. This high-end and high-up bar has more than 100 different variations of the cocktail on its menu.
Lively evenings

San Francisco’s renowned for its anything-goes attitude, and its night scene follows suit. The clubbing options are as diverse as the city itself – there’s even a club which you enter via a giant slide. Plus, the gay bars are legendary. Drop in any day of the week, and you’re likely to stumble upon mud-wrestling tournaments, drag shows and wild parties.

Clam chowder

In a city that’s known for its seafood and sourdough, it’s easy to see why San Francisco’s clam chowder is big business. This seafood creation has made its way across from the east coast. The potato-based soup’s made with clams, broth, onions and celery – and served in a bread bowl. It’s best eaten on the pier at Fisherman’s Wharf.
Mission burrito

The Mission burrito goes by another name, too – a San Francisco burrito. That’s because it originated in the city’s Mission District. It’s set apart from your average burrito by its big size and extra rice. The Mexican taquerias in these parts have even bagged awards for their burritos.
Cioppino

This Italian-American dish is another San Francisco first. It’s made with the catch of the day, which is usually a combo of Dungeness crab, clams, shrimp, scallops and squid. The seafood’s mixed with fresh tomatoes in a wine sauce to create a fish stew. It’s served with toasted bread, so dipping’s encouraged.
Celery Victor

The head chef at the former St Francis Hotel is the brains behind Celery Victor. This simple starter shines a spotlight on the under-used veg. Celery hearts are simmered in chicken broth, chilled, and served with vinaigrette over lettuce leaves.
Joe’s Special

San Francisco’s take on scrambled eggs comes with a back story. The dish was stumbled upon in 1932 at long-gone New Joe’s. A local bandleader came in for some food, but the kitchen only had spinach, onions, mushrooms, ground beef and eggs left. He mixed them together to create Joe’s Special, which you’ll find on the menu at numerous restaurants.